Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It is so amazing to me the way God works and the people He uses to accomplish His will here on earth. It has been the gracious giving of Mrs Oliver’s fourth grade class that the Lord has used to touch the hearts of the people here in Luxo-On, the town where we live. This December I was traveling all over the island attending Christmas parties that the U-Turn churches were having. This was very costly and extremely tiring. As we returned I had decided to cancel the Christmas party for the children of Luxo-On.

We just did not have enough money or supplies to give almost 100 kids a party. The box from Mrs. Oliver’s fourth grade class and my parents had arrived, so I promised the children that we would have a raffle the week after Christmas. I thought no way could one box from the children of Mrs Oliver’s class and candy from my parents supply 100 kids with a present. Before opening the box we prayed over it, praying that the Lord would provide for the children. We were amazed when we opened the box! We made a count of the toys and we counted around 65 to 70, plus the candy from my parents.

We decided to have a party and announced it to the children. We bought poncet from the money provided from my family and prepared for about seventy kids. To make a long story short we had almost 100 children show up! We broke into the candy and put it in bags for the raffle and separated some of the toys and went for it on faith, remembering that the Lord fed five thousand men with 5 loaves and 2 fish. It was amazing! The children and the parents had a wonderful time! All the children were provided for and just to show how in control God was over the whole situation we had left over toys and candy.

The food was the same, we fed over 100 people that day and had left overs to eat ourselves. God is good! This one box from Mrs Oliver's fourth grade class was blessed. This one box, because the Lord blessed it, had more impact on this town than 100 boxes that were not blessed. Because of Mrs. Oliver’s class even the devout Catholic families are beginning to wonder and ask about the love and generosity they saw. They can see the grace, truth and love of Jesus and it starts with the blessed children of the fourth grade class whom Jesus has chosen to bring Himself glory through.

Thank you so much!!! I also received the Bibles they sent and I am so blessed to have all of your pictures. I put your picture on my wall and pray for you all often. The Bibles will be used to bless the Filipino students here who cannot afford their own Bible. I am so encouraged to see the Lord work through you kids and I know He will continue to do so. God bless you Mrs Oliver and class, I will continue to pray for you all.

Your friend and brother,

Caleb Barton